Cryptic crossword clue
Average playing of violin — male leader, not female 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MIDDLING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
I
D
D
L
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Average" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case average = middling.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does MIDDLING mean?

MIDDLING noun
  1. Something of intermediate or average size, position, or quality.
MIDDLING adjective
  1. Of intermediate or average size, position, or quality; mediocre.
  2. In fairly good health.
MIDDLING adverb
  1. Fairly, moderately, somewhat.
  2. Not too badly, with modest success.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations